If you have ever carved anything out of wood, then you definitely know what wood sanding is. In a nutshell it is all about making a wooden surface smooth and even before staining it with either gloss or paint. There are three types of wood sanding as discussed below:

Hand sanding

As the name suggests, it involves sanding manually. One simply uses a sandpaper of the right grit to get the job done. Hand sanding is ideal for small and household wood pieces like wooden stools and baby cribs. It can also be used on wooden floors to come up with a smooth, distinguished and intricate surface.

Machine sanding

Again, the name says it all. A machine is used to achieve the desired smoothness. The machine used is known as a power sander. It comes in different types such as:

Palm sanders

Disk sanders

Belt sander

Drum sanders

The machine is used for big wood pieces such as massive wooden floors, pressure treated wood and decks. Of the four types of machines used, belt sanders happen to be the most effective. They also happen to be the most affordable.

Wet sanding

The method uses a special sanding sponge which features the damp or liquid sandpaper. The sandpaper must be rinsed from time to time. Most people prefer this sanding method to the aforementioned methods for fairly obvious reasons. For starters, the method is time saving and doesn’t spread dust into the air. This means that it makes the sanding process neat and clean. It also means that it is ideal for asthmatic people who cannot work in dusty environments.

Ready to start on wood sanding?

First, consider the grit of your preferred sandpaper. Then use protective clothing all the time. If for one reason or another you doubt your abilities to get the job done on your own, consider seeking assistance from a carpenter.